the obama administration was looking for the stimulus measure. they thought it would be hard for republicans to oppose a tax cuts. host: the money rigidly was going where -- the money originally was going where? guest: going to the social security trust fund. it is still going there. it is still going to social security. the treasury is making up the money and still running the money, the discount that folks are getting other taxes. host: through the general fund? how much money was given back or put into the economy? guest: about $100 billion. it is only on the first $110,000 of income. economists see it as a pretty good way to stimulate the economy. host: what is the payroll tax cut with the fiscal cliff? guest: it is expiring. host: by law. guest: if congress does nothing, it will go back to 6.2%. both sides had agreed that its usefulness had run its course and that they should probably let it expire. opponents are worried that by taking money out of a dedicated stream is going to social security could undermine the integrity of the program. e